REINFORCEMENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 27, 2 February 1932, Page 7

REINFORCEMENTS.

Heavy Concentration of Troops On Shanghai. MANY WARSHIPS EN ROUTE. WASHINGTON, Februaury 1. A statement was issued from White House at 5 p.m. yesterday to the effect that a request from the United States Consul-General at Shanghai, Mr. Edwin Cunningham, for further protection had been considered. Admiral Taylor would leave Manila for Shanghai on the cruiser Houston, accompanied by seven destroyers and auxiliary vessels and a transport bearing 400 marines from Avite, Philippines, and the crack 31st Infantry Regiment, comprising 1400 men. As soon as conditions permitted the troops would return to Manila. The 4th Regiment of Marines, comprising 1225 men, is already stationed at Shanghai. The Houston and seven destroyers with the 31st Kegiment and marines from Manila, are due to reach Shanghai on Wednesday. With the marines already there this will bring the strength of the American forces to over 3000. The Japanese expect f>ooo reinforcements to-day or to-morrow. The British cruiser Berwick is to leave Hongkong for Shanghai, ca-Tying a company of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Tin-hatted British troops and policemen are patrolling the streets of Hongkong as an emergency measure. The Manila correspondent of the "New York Times" says the first company of Chinese volunteers left there secretly a week ago for the war zone. A second group is preparing to leave. Local Chinese financial contributions have been heavy in recent months.